Old Palace art workshop

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International artists Aether and Hemera introduce Crocus Valley to Old Palace students.

Old Palace students took part in a colourful crocus origami art workshop on Friday 26 May. The 23 girls talked about what a crocus is and the significance of crocus to Croydon.

The students learnt it is thought that Croydon might take its name from the Anglo-Saxon words ‘Croh-Denu’, meaning ‘valley of the crocus’. This name would suggest that the Romans farmed crocus flowers in Croydon for their saffron – a valuable spice used in food before the arrival of the Saxons.

The girls had the opportunity to work with international artists Aether and Hemera who have been commissioned by The Whitgift Foundation to recreate Croydon’s fabled crocus valley for Croydon Heritage Festival, 24-30 June 2017. Old Palace students made at least three crocuses each and were able to see the artist’s work which included a preview of the installation design.

One student said “I really enjoyed this workshop and was quite surprised at how life-like my crocus turned out”.